JIMMY Floyd Hasselbaink says Stefen Maletic will bring a no-nonsense approach to Burton Albion.
The Brewers boss snapped up the 27-year-old centre-half from Dutch club Achilles 29 yesterday.
He has been given a deal until the end of the season – and Hasselbaink says he fits the bill for a League Two stopper.
"He's a no-nonsense defender and a big boy," he said. "He's strong and he likes the physical attributes of defending – and that's something we need.
"He will bring a challenge in for the other two boys who are playing.
"He can play on the right or the left of central defence, has got experience, has played in Germany, Holland and Sweden so he has the experience. He knows about countries and speaks English perfectly."
Hasselbaink's signing of the Belgrade-born stopper completes a year-long chase began while he was in charge at Belgian side Royal Antwerp.
Then, the Brewers chief left the club before Maletic could sign – but he has now got his man on a six-month deal.
Meanwhile, Shane Cansdell-Sherriff, who has made a place at the back his own since signing for Albion, initially on loan a year ago, is facing a longer than expected spell on the sidelines.
He came off with what was expected to be a pulled calf against Tranmere Rovers on Boxing Day.
But scans have revealed a slight tear and he could be out for around a month.
"We needed to bring in a centre-half because Shane is injured and has a little tear," said Hasselbaink.
"We don't know how long it's going to take, it normally would take three or four weeks.
"It might be that he breaks down when he comes back and Ian Sharps we had already said was available.
"So we had to do something and that's why we brought him (Maletic) in."
